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Hyperion Post War Japanese Miniature Binoculars (1947-1952 period)
„Hyperion“
Miniaturferngläser
sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan (1947-1952).
Jumelles
Miniatures de «Hyperion»
Fabriquées
Après
la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale (1947-1952). «Hyperion»
миниатюрные бинокль выпуска
после войны
мировой войны в Японии (
1947-1953).
Hyperion
」
ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます
(1947-1952). «Hyperion» Prismáticos en Miniatura Fabricados
Después
de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón 1947-1952. «Hyperion»
Binocolo Giapponese in Epoca Postbellica (Perioda 1947-1952)
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“
United Binocular Co. Chicago
” binoculars serial number 9162, Made during Occupation period 1947-1952, marked
“
made in occupied Japan”.
Note early post war transition to use of chrome.
Collection of
Mark Ohno |
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Japanese External Reverse Porro Prism Binoculars.
VIRTUAL MUSEUM
|
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Ursprünge der Japanische Miniatur Fernglas
Origines des Japonais jumelles miniatures
Истоки японского миниатюрного бинокль
Los orígenes de los prismáticos Japoneses en miniatura |
|
MARK OHNO |
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日本
のミニチュアの双眼鏡の起源
|
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Miniature Binoculars Eyepieces
.
Okulare des Miniatur-Fernglases. Oculaires de Jumelles Miniatures.
Окуляры миниатюрных биноклей.
ミニチュア双眼鏡の接眼レンズ.
Okular av Miniatyr Kikare. Oculairen van Miniatuur Verrekijker. Oculares de Binoculares en Miniature. Oculary do Binocolo in Miniatura. |
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Miniature binoculars were produced with a wide variety of eyepieces. As with all other physical descriptions of attributes and variants, the material of the eyepieces can help to define variants. After a time I came to realize visual analysis was probably inefficient and subject to errors as a method to determine and indicate the material, and particularly when some of eyepieces are in unworn condition, The nature of Japanese lacquer coatings makes it more difficult. |
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In order to analyze eyepieces with better accuracy, I recently (2017) sought a non destructive method to detect both ferrous and non ferrous eyepieces. I wanted to be able to distinguish plastic eyepieces from those that might be made of painted or plated brass or steel or plated or painted or anodized aluminum or zinc alloys. I recently determined that a “pin pointer” metal detector used in treasure hunting, metal detecting, and coin hunting would work well. As time permits I will retest eyepieces on binoculars in the collection to define plastic/metal content. |
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Plastic Eyepieces, Front, Rear, and side Views.
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Brass eyepieces painted with Black Lacquer
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Nickel plated brass combination eyepieces and focus rings
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Plastic eyepieces
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Rubber Eyepieces plus the typical focus ring configuration for rubber ring eyepieces
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Case Study of Brand Practices of Japanese Miniature Binoculars
.
Fallstudie von Markenprakiken von Japanischen Miniatur-Furngläsern. Étude de Cas des Pratiques de la Marque de Jumelles Miniatures. Japonaises.
Социологическое исследование японских миниатюрных Бинокль Марка практики.
日本
のミニ双眼鏡ブランドの実践事例.
Estudio de caso de las Prácticas de Marca de los Prismaticos Japoneses en Miniatura. Studia di Casi di Pratiche di Marca di Binocoli Giapponesi in Miniatura. |
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The Japanese binoculars industry consisted of “assembling manufacturers”, or contract manufacturers, who assembled
binoculars from parts manufactured by themselves, or produced for them by subsidiary contractors. They transferred those binoculars to exporters or exporting trading companies, who in turn transferred them to importers or importing distributors in various countries. They then went to wholesale distributors, and then to retailers. Sometimes these entities assumed multiple commercial roles. “Brand” names were based on the preference of any of these entities. Details of these relationships for a particular brand name and model of binoculars is difficult to know 50 or 60 years later. But in most cases this information would not have been widely available even at the time it was occurring. Once in a while an opportunity arises which gives insights into how this all worked.
Die japanische Fernglasindustrie bestand aus "Montageherstellern" oder Vertragsherstellern, die Ferngläser aus selbst gefertigten Teilen zusammensetzten oder sie von Tochterunternehmen herstellten. Sie übertrug diese Ferngläser auf Exporteure oder exportierte Handelsunternehmen, die sie wiederum an Importeure überführten oder Händler in verschiedenen Ländern einführten. Sie gingen dann zu Großhändlern und dann zu Einzelhändlern. Manchmal übernahmen diese Einheiten mehrere kommerzielle Rollen. "Marken" -Namen basieren auf der Präferenz von einer dieser Einheiten. Details dieser Beziehungen für eine bestimmte Marke und Modell des Fernglases ist schwer zu wissen, 50 oder 60 Jahre später. Aber in den meisten Fällen wären diese Informationen bis zum Zeitpunkt des Auftretens nicht weit verbreitet gewesen. In einer Weile entsteht eine Gelegenheit, die Einblicke in die Art und Weise gibt, wie das alles funktioniert. 'Industrie japonaise des jumelles était composée de «fabricants d'assemblage», ou de fabricants sous contrat, qui assemblaient des jumelles à partir de pièces fabriquées par eux-mêmes ou produites pour eux par des sous-traitants. Ils ont transféré ces jumelles à des exportateurs ou à des sociétés commerciales exportatrices, qui les ont transférées à des importateurs ou à des importateurs distributeurs dans divers pays. Ils sont ensuite allés chez les distributeurs en gros, puis chez les détaillants. Parfois, ces entités assument des rôles commerciaux multiples. Les noms de marque étaient basés sur la préférence de l'une de ces entités. Détails de ces relations pour une marque particulière et le modèle de jumelles est difficile à connaître 50 ou 60 ans plus tard. Mais dans la plupart des cas, ces informations n'auraient pas été largement disponibles même au moment où elles se produisaient. De temps en temps, une occasion se présente qui donne des idées sur la façon dont tout cela a fonctionné.
日本
の双眼鏡業界は、自社製の部品から双眼鏡を組み立てるか、または子会社の請負業者によって製作された「組立メーカー」または契約製造業者で構成されていました。彼らはこれらの双眼鏡を輸出業者または輸出商社に移し、次にそれらを輸出業者または輸出業者に輸出しています。その後、卸売業者に、次に小売業者に行きました。これらの事業体は、複数の商業的役割を担うこともありました。 「ブランド」の名前は、これらのエンティティのいずれかの設定に基づいていました。特定のブランド名と双眼鏡のモデルに関するこれらの関係の詳細は、
50
年後
または
60
年後
には分かりません。しかし、ほとんどの場合、この情報は、それが発生しているときでさえ広く利用可能ではなかったであろう。いったんこの機会がどのように働くかについての洞察を与える機会があります.
Японские биноклей промышленность состояла из "сборки производителей", или контрактных производителей, которые собранными биноклей из частей, изготовленных самостоятельно, или произведенных для них вспомогательными подрядчиками. Они переносят эти бинокль экспортеров или экспортеров торговых компаний, которые в свою очередь, передал их импортеров или импортеров дистрибьюторов в различных странах. Затем они пошли к оптовым торговцам, а затем к розничным торговцам. Иногда эти объекты предполагается несколько коммерческих ролей. Названия "Марка" были основаны на предпочтения какой-либо из этих лиц. Подробности этих отношений для конкретной марки и модели биноклей трудно узнать 50 или 60 лет спустя. Но в большинстве случаев эта информация не была бы широко доступны даже в то время он был произошедшим. После того, как в какое-то время появляется возможность, которая дает понимание того, как все это работало.
La industria japonesa de binoculares consistía en "fabricantes de ensamblaje", o fabricantes de contrato, que ensamblaban prismáticos a partir de piezas fabricadas por ellos mismos o producidos para ellos por contratistas subsidiarios. Den japanska kikare industrin bestod av "montering tillverkare", eller kontraktstillverkare, som samlats kikare från delar som tillverkas av dem själva eller har framställts för dem genom dotterbolag entreprenörer. De överfördes dessa kikare till exportörer eller exporterande handel företag, som i sin tur överförs dem till importörer eller importerar distributörer i olika länder. De gick sedan till partihandlare, och sedan till återförsäljare. Ibland kan dessa enheter antas flera kommersiella roller. "Varumärke" namn baserades på preferens för någon av dessa enheter. Närmare uppgifter om dessa förhållanden för ett visst märke och modell av kikare är svårt att veta 50 eller 60 år senare. Men i de flesta fall denna information inte skulle ha varit allmänt tillgängliga även vid den tidpunkt då det förekommer. Då och då tillfälle ges som ger insikter i hur detta allt fungerade. Trasladaron esos prismáticos a exportadores o empresas comerciales exportadoras, que a su vez los transfirieron a importadores o importadores de distribuidores en varios países. A continuación, fueron a distribuidores mayoristas, y luego a los minoristas. A veces estas entidades asumían múltiples funciones comerciales. Los nombres de marca se basaban en la preferencia de cualquiera de estas entidades. Detalles de estas relaciones para un nombre de marca particular y el modelo de binoculares es difícil de saber 50 o 60 años después. Pero en la mayoría de los casos esta información no habría sido ampliamente disponible incluso en el momento en que estaba ocurriendo. De vez en cuando surge una oportunidad que da una idea de cómo todo funcionó. |
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Manufacturer:
?
Japan Exporter:
ISI (?)
USA Importer:
Swift Instruments, Inc
Brand Imprint:
Swift
Model:
model no. 730, “Pointer” 7x18
Serial #
14-781743 silk screen markings
US Distributor:
Swift through multiple wholesale distributors
Retailers:
Multiple
Note: With a serial number 58,452 later than the Stoddards example, Swift had changed from rotary engraving to the cheaper silk screen markings, which are flaking off these binoculars with some markings missing.
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Manufacturer:
Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Kabushiki-geisha, aka:
東亜光学株式会社
Manufacturer code marked:
JB001
Japan Exporter:
ISI (?)
USA Importer:
Swift instruments, Inc.
Brand Imprint:
Ferrant-Dege, Inc.
Model:
“Pointer” 7x18
Serial #
14-722697 engraved marking
US Distributor:
No, importer contract to retailer
Retailers:
Ferranti-Dege (Camera store) 1300 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Manufacturer:
Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Kabushiki-geisha, aka:
東亜光学株式会社
Manufacturer code marked:
JB001
Japan Exporter:
ISI (?)
USA Importer:
Swift Instruments, Inc
Brand Imprint:
STODDARDS BOSTON
Model:
model no. 730, 7x18
Serial #
14-723291 enraved marking
US Distributor:
No, importer contract to retailer
Retailers:
Stoddards Cutlery, 352 Watertown St, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
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Manufacturer:
Meiji Sego Kōgaku Kabushiki-geisha, aka:
明治精工株式会社
Japan Exporter:
ISI (?)
USA Importer:
Swift Instruments, Inc
Brand Imprint:
Swift
Model:
model no. 730, “Pointer” 7x18
Serial #
#3-710006 engraved marking
US Distributor:
Swift through multiple wholesale distributors
Retailers:
Multiple
Note: Probably predates others on this page, with a 3 prefix (rather than 14 prefix) and with engraved markings.
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Manufacturer:
Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Japan Exporter: ?
USA Importer:
Swift Instruments, Inc
Brand Imprint:
Swift
Model:
model no. 709, “Sport” 6x15
Serial #
14-683093
US Distributor:
Swift through multiple wholesale distributors
Retailers:
Multiple
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Manufacturer:
Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Japan Exporter:
ISI (?)
USA Importer:
Swift Instruments, Inc
Brand Imprint:
L.L. Bean, Inc
Model:
model no.709, 6x15
Serial #
14-683935 engraved markings
US Distributor:
No, importer contract to retailer
Retailers:
L.L. Bean (outdoor outfitter) Freeport, Maine, USA
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German Binoculars Market.
Ferngläse markt. Marché des Jumelles Allemandes. Tyska Kikare Marknaden. Mercado de Prismaticos Aleman.
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It is widely recognized how Japanese export binoculars came to dominate the US market after WWII (between 1954 and 1973 Japanese binoculars captured 90% of the US binoculars market) despite the US having a domestic binoculars manufacturing industry. And it is widely recognized how Japanese export binoculars came to dominate the UK market after the 1962-1965 Japanese binoculars importation quotas ceased, despite the UK having a domestic binoculars manufacturing industry. It seems less remarked upon how this same scenario was repeated in many other countries. By 1963 82% of all binoculars sold in Germany were Japanese (per Retrowow), despite Germany having a domestic binoculars manufacturing industry. A similar situation probably occurred in Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. A similar thing is now occurring with Chinese manufactured binoculars.
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United Post War Japanese Miniature Binoculars (1947-1952 period).
„United“
Miniaturferngläser
sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan (1947-1952).
Jumelles
Miniatures de «United»
Fabriquées
Après
la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale (1947-1952). «United»
миниатюрные бинокль выпуска
после войны мировой войны в Японии (
1947-1953).
United
ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます
(1947-1952). «United» Prismáticos en Miniatura Fabricados
Después
de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón 1947-1952. «United»
Binocolo Giapponese in Epoca Postbellica (Perioda 1947-1952)
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An Example of AOCo / Asahi Optical Co. Binoculars Given Away as a Gift by Music Corp of America.
Ein Beispiel f
ϋ
r AOCo-Ferngläser, die von Music Corp of America als Geschenk Vershenkt Wurden.
Une Exemple de Jumelles AOCo Offertes en Cadeau par Music Corp of America.
Пример биноклей
AOCo,
представленных в качестве подарка
music Corp of America.
Music corp of America xxx
による贈り物としての
AOCo
双眼鏡
の例
.
Een voorbeeld van AOCo-verrekijker weggegeven als cadeau door Music Corp of America. Ett Exempel på AOCo-Kikare ges Bort Som en Present av Music Corp of America. Un Ejemplo des PrismaticosAOCo Regalados por Music Corp of America. |
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These AOCo / Asahi Optical Co Jupiter Senior binoculars were used by MCA (Music Corporation of America) as a corporate Christmas gift in December 1958 and Happy New Year gift in January 1959, and they are marked as such, along with the same MCA globe pattern corporate logo design that Music Corporation of America is documented as using in 1958. MCA was formed in 1924, and by 1958 MCA was a top talent agency with very well known clients such as Jimmy Stuart, Rock Hudson, Doris Day, and Alfred Hitchcock. And by 1958 MCA was also a television production firm producing hit TV shows such as Wagon Train, Leave it to Beaver, GE Theater, and Armour Theater, and in addition MCS owned the Paramont Pictures pre 1950 Film Library. 1958 was a big year for MCA: in 1958 they purchased the 432 acre Universal Theater production lot, and in 1958 they also took their stock public on the New York Stock exchange. |
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“
United Binocular Co. Chicago
”
marked binoculars serial number 9184, Made during Occupation period 1947-1952. marked
“
made in occupied Japan
Note early post war transition to use of chrome. Also marked
“
Hercules
” and marked with a logo associated with that brand.
Collection of
Mark Ohno.
Even
though these binoculars these United Binocular Co. binoculars are numbered only 22 after the similar binoculars above, they are marked differently, with the addition of the “
Hercules
” marking and with a logo associated with that brand on the right prism cover.
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In addition to being unusual in being dated, and being associate with an identified organization, they also date AOCo serial #188251 to mid/late production 1958. |
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Akebono Optical Co., Ltd.
(Akebono Kōgyō Seisakujo)
(
曙光学工業
)
: 1-956 Nogata-cho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
Asahi Optical Co.Ltd.
(
Asahi Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha)
(
旭光学工業株式会社
)
980 Shimura-maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku,Tokyo
Asanuma & Co Ltd
Carton Optical Industries Ltd (
カートン光学株式会社)
Fuji Photo Optical Co,. Ltd.
: 1-24 Uetake-cho, Omiya-Shi, Saitama
Furukawa Kōgaku Seisakujo
(
古川光学製作所
)
Hoya Optical Co, Ltd.
(Hoya Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha) (
保谷光学株式会社
)
38 Oyama-Kanai-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
Ibuki Kōgaku Co. Ltd.
(
伊吹光学株式会社
)
Iikura Optical Works
(Iikura Kogaku Seisakujo Inc.) (
飯倉光学製作所
)
:
43 Tokumaru-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
Kamakura Optical
2-51-2 Shimo-machi, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Kuroki Kogaku Kogyo Co, Ltd.
Meiji Seiko Co, Ltd.
(
明治精工株式会社
)
: 803 Yukigaya-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Nikkei Optical Co.
(
日経光学株式会社
)
Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Co.Ltd.
(Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha)
(
日本工学株式会社
)Oi-Morimae-cho, Shingawa-ku, Tokyo
Oei Kōgaku Co Ltd.
(
応永光学株式会社
)
Ofuna Optical Instrument Co., Ltd
(Ofuna Kōgaku K.K.)(
大船光学工業株式会社
)
659 Dai, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Oji Optical Machine Co. Ltd
(Oji Kōgaku Kikai K.K.)(
王子光学機械株式会社
)
5-34 Inatsuke-Nishi-machi, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Okaya Optical Co, Ltd
(Okaya Kōgaku Kikai K.K.)
岡谷光学機械㈱
,
(
Vista brand binoculars)
Omiya Kōgaku Kikai Seisakujo
(
大宮光学機械製作所
)
Omori Sogo Kōgaku Kōgyō Ltd.
(
大森総合光学工業
)
: 202 Ikegami-Honcho, Ota-Ku, Tokyo
Oshimoto Kōgaku Co Ltd
Otake Optical Co
(Otake Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha(
大竹光学工業株式会社
)
Pentax Corporation
(Pentakkusu Kabushiki-geisha
)(
ペンタックス株式会社, )
Rikken Optical Co., Ltd.
(Riken Kōgaku Kōgyō
K.K.)
(
理研光学工業㈱
)
Sankyo Optical Co Ltd.
(Sankyo Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushiki-geisha) (
三共光学工業株式会社
)
: 2-8 Naka-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Siewa Optical Co. Ltd.
(Seiwa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Kabushiki-geisha
) (
清和光学株式会社
)
: 5-1617 Naka-machi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Tanaka Optical Co Ltd
(Tanaka Koki Seisakujo) (
田中光機製作所
) 4 Fujimi-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
Toa Optical Co., Ltd.
(Toa Kōgaku Kōgyō
Kabushiki-geisha
)(
東亜光学株式会社
):
1-7 Chihaya-cho, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Tochihara Optical Co
(
栃原光学株式会社)
Tokuhiro Micro Binocular Co
: (Tokuhiro Koki Seisakusho Inc)(
徳弘光機製作所株式会社
)9-1101 Nippori-machi, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Ueta Seiki Co. Ltd
Yashica Co Ltd
(
Yashica
Kōgyō
Kabushiki-geisha
)
(
㈱
ヤシカ
)
plus U.S. subsidiary marketing firm Yashica Inc.
Yoshimoto Optical Co Ltd.
: (
吉本光学株式会社
) 1-3340 Nishi-Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Zuiho Optical Instrument Co Ltd.
(
Zuihō Kōgaku Seiki K.K., Tokyo
)(
瑞宝光学精機工業株式会社
)
3-7 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
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The following list is of manufacturers I have observed to have been involved in the manufacture of the many various brands of these Japanese (miniature) External Reverse Porro Prism Binoculars, either as the assembling manufacturer of record (JB number), or as the parts manufacturer of record (JE number), or as an identified subcontracting manufacturer or manufacturing distributor. Please note that some manufacturing efforts in the 1950’s and 1960s were essentially consortium group efforts so that there were almost certainly many other manufacturers in addition to the assembling and/ or parts manufacturer of record. So the list should be regarded as accurate but incomplete. Where possible the companies are listed in their “translated” form, and in
rōmaji, and in
Kanji
(see the section “
Understanding the Name Variations
” on the page ”
INTRODUCTION
” for a complete explanation). Addresses, where available, are normally from a 1959 list of binocular makers published by the Japan Binoculars Export Promotion Co and made available by Peter Abrahams at:
http://home.europa.com/~telscope/j-list.txt
Be aware that if a company had more than one location at the time, then this address is probably a sales office address, rather than a factory address, but it could be either. |
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Japanese Companies Involved in the Manufacture of Miniature Binoculars.
小
さな日本双眼鏡生産する企業
.
Japanische Firmen die Miniaturferngläser Herstellten. Sociétés Japonaises Qui Ont Fait les
Jumelles Miniatures.
Японские компании, вовлеченные в производство миниатюрных бинокль.
Las Empresas Japonesas Involucradas en la Producción de los Prismáticos en Miniatura. Aziende Giapponeisi Coinvolte Nelia Pruduzione de Binocoli Miniatura. |
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Hyperion binoculars serial number 2645. Made during Occupation period 1947-1952,Pre war characteristics.
Collection of Mark Ohno |
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POSTWAR |
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Aroma Post War Japanese Miniature Binoculars (1947-1952 period).
„Aroma“
Miniaturferngläser
sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan (1947-1952).
Jumelles
Miniatures de «Aroma»
Fabriquées
Après
la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale (1947-1952). «Aroma»
миниатюрные бинокль выпуска
после войны
мировой войны в Японии (
1947-1953).
「
Aroma
」
ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます
(1947-1952). «Aroma»
Prismáticos en Miniatura Fabricados
Después
de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón 1947-1952. «Aroma» Binocolo in Miniature Giapponese del Dopoguerra (Periodo 1947-1952)
|
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Aroma binoculars serial number 12062.Made during Occupation period.
Collection of Mark Ohno |
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POSTWAR |
|
POSTWAR |
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An Example of How Pre War Japanese Binoculars Change Ownership
. Early 20th century “JOICO Victor” 6x Binoculars with an Interesting Documented History
. „JOICO Victor“ 6x Fernglas von Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts mit einer interessanten dokumentierte Geschichte.
Un Exemple de la Façon Dont des Jumelles Changer les Propriétaires.
«
JOICO Victor
»
6x Jumelles du Début du 20e Siècle avec un Intéressant Historique Documenté. Ett Exempel På hur Gamla Japanska Kikare Byter Ägare. Början av 1900-talet „Joico Victor” 6x Kikare Med en Interressant Dokumenterand Historia. Un Ejemplo de Cómo los Prismáticos Cambian de Dueño.
Principos del Siglo 20
«
JOICO Victor
»
6x Unos Prismáticos con Una Interesante Historia Documentada. Binocolo do
«
JOICO Victor
»
6x del Primo Ventesimo Secolo con Interessante Documentazione Storica.
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Pre War (conventional
non miniature
) Joico Victor #4 6x binoculars with WWII Capture Documentation and spring loaded ocular shields. Serial Number 25,615
Collection of Mark Ohno |
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These are
NOT
one of the miniature reverse porro prism M-Type on configuration binoculars that this website is about, and they are a binocular with a conventional body similar to WWI Zeiss models. But I like how these particular binoculars illustrate a lot of factors inherent in binocular development, and in how binoculars can change hands in all sorts of unusual ways affected by events. According to the Nikon website and Hans Braakhuis’s History of Nikon, this “Victor” model and design was inherited from Fujii Lens Seizosho when Nippon Kogaku K. K. (later named Nikon) was formed in 1917. “Victor” had been a name chosen by Fujii as an export binocular name, and the name was presumably chosen for it’s military connotations. The Fujji Victor was considered a luxury model, as it cost the equivalent of nearly 2 months wages for a junior level bank salaried staff member (salaryman).
JOICO
is
J
apan
O
ptical
I
ndustry
Co
, which is the literal English translation of Nippon Kogaku K. K., and was used as a brand name for a short time. The use of “JOICO Victor” as a brand was apparently criticized within Japan for not having a more Japanese derivation, and the “Victor” model was quickly renamed “Tenyu” (Help from Heaven) and was sold primarily as a military model. According to leading Nikon binocular historian Hans Braakhuis, the “JOICO” trademark was only used 1917-1921. So these pre-Nikon binoculars that I acquired at a Massachusetts gun show 25 years ago were manufactured immediately after the first World War. They are documented as having been brought home during WWII as a captured Japanese military item by Major Sherwin H, Ricker of the US 143rd Field Artillery Battalion, which was a 105mm artillery unit, and was part of the US 40th Division. It was involved in operations in Luzon and southern Philippines in 1944-1945, including the Lingayen Gulf invasion of January 1945. When Japanese troops occupied the Philippines in 1941, any binoculars that had been held by military or police units or plantation owners or the general civilian population would probably have been requisitioned, including any 1919 JOICO Victor binoculars anyone had. Similarly, when Japanese military units were formed up in Japan late in the war they probably commandeered any binoculars available domestically and suitable for military use to be used as substitute standard issue, and officers would probably bring any suitable family owned binoculars with them (they also brought family owned “Samauri” sword blades, reworked with regulation handles). US artillery majors in 1945 probably did not get many opportunities to be the first to inspect Japanese casualties, but the front line infantry troops who did so routinely sold or bartered any binoculars, swords, pistols, compasses, gold teeth or anything else that they acquired to the officers and other non front line troops eager for souvenirs. According to Charles Strasser in “The Origins of Japanese Trade Supremacy”, …”Japanese binoculars, with their superior lens coatings ...were among the most sought after trophies of American naval officers”…in WWII. US troops have always been absolutely notorious for their insatiable appetite for “captured souvenirs”. And they still are. For example, a US Afghan war vet provided me with an interesting Kevlar body armor vest made in the USA by a military contractor with dated tags written in Pashto. It was manufactured, transported to the war, was transferred to pro US allied Afghan forces, was reallocated to anti US Afghan fighters, was recaptured by US forces, and then was then brought back to the US by that US soldier as a “captured souvenir” (and all within the space of 6 months). Now that is impressive U.S. government SNAFU logistics efficiency. Anyway, similar to the travel and ownership changes with that body armor, these Joico binoculars were produced when WWI hostilities had barely ceased, were used twenty five years later by a Japanese soldier in the Philippines, presumably survived his death and passed into one or more US soldier’s hands, were brought to the United States, and probably upon that soldier’s death they were resold, came into my hands, and are now being viewed worldwide as an example of how one must never underestimate the activity of war as a factor in the redistribution of goods, particularly binoculars, and of how binoculars, including non military versions, have always been closely intertwined and influenced by various military and other geopolitical events. The history of objects is the history of people. |
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US WWII in-theater souvenir stand for Japanese war trophies. Islanders and combat troops would scour the combat areas for items, and then barter them to the entrepreneur, who would resell them to rear echelon troops. Painted “Trench art” embellishments such as Japanese flags were painted on helmets and trophy skulls to make them more appealing and desirable (as in photo). Islanders also manufactured inscribed machetes as souvenirs to barter or sell to the troops. |
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Ensign Post War Japanese Miniature Binoculars (1947-1952 period).
„Ensign“
Miniaturferngläser
sind vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Japan (1947-1952).
Jumelles
Miniatures de «Ensign»
Fabriquées
Après
la Deuxieme Grande Guerre Mondiale (1947-1952). «Ensign»
миниатюрные бинокль выпуска
после войны
мировой войны в Японии (
1947-1953).
「
Ensign
」
ミニチュア双眼鏡が２回目の世界大戦の前に日本で作られます
(1947-1952). «Ensign
»
Prismáticos en Miniatura Fabricados
Después
de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Japón 1947-1952. «Ensign
»
Binocolo Giapponese in Epoca Postbellica (Perioda 1947-1952)
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Note the close serial numbers on the two binoculars.
Die Seriennummern für diese Ferngläser sind nahe bei- einander. Les numéros de série sur ces jumelles sont proches l'un de l'autre.
Серийные номера на эти бинокли, близко друг к другу.
これらの双眼鏡のシリアル番号は、ほぼ同じです。
Los números de serie de estos prismáticos son cerca una de la otra. |
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SERIAL NUMBER 7230
SERIENNUMMER 7230
NUMÉRO DE SÉRIE 7230
серийный номер
7230
シリアル番号
7230
NÚMER DE SERIE 7230
NUMERO DI SERIE 7230 |
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SERIAL NUMBER 2737
SERIENNUMMER 2737
NUMÉRO DE SÉRIE 2737
серийный номер
2737
シリアル番号
2737
NÚMER DE SERIE 2737
NUMERO DI SERIE 2737 |
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POSTWAR |
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Ensign binoculars serial number #7230 with case, and also serial number #7237. Made during Occupation period 1947-1952
Collection of Mark Ohno\
***It is entertaining to get 2 binoculars 66 years later from 2 different places that were 7 numbers apart on the original production line*** |
